By the late 1980s, the need for a separate organisation of Specialist Paediatric Dentists became increasingly evident. The need for an organisation that could meet in its own right and speak authoritatively with stakeholders within the government was deemed crucial. It was equally important to establish clear channels of communication with the Dental Board of Australia (DBA) and the Australian Dental Association (ADA) on critical matters of concern to Paediatric Dentists; issues such as ‘Standards of Care' and the Medicare Cleft Lip and Palate scheme.

An Academy of Paediatric Dentistry, similar to those that existed in Europe, North America and Canada, was envisaged. Following a consensus the name ‘Australasian Academy of Paediatric Dentistry', was adopted. Membership of the Academy was to be open to all dentists registered as Specialists in Paediatric Dentistry with their State or National Dental Boards.

Accordingly, during the biennial conference of the ANZSPD, held in Melbourne on November 4th and 5th, 1990, the Australasian Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (AAPD) was formed. There were only twelve Specialist Paediatric Dentists at the inaugural meeting on the 5th November at 8:00 am.